Wednesday, February 16, 2011

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 16, 2011) – The regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner and its news bureau chief were recently honored by the City Government of Kidapawan for its contribution to the local tourism industry and its role in providing the public with factual news.

Geonarri Solmerano, the newspaper’s bureau chief for Southern Mindanao, received the plaque from Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco who recognized the efforts of the Mindanao Examiner in promoting Kidapawan City’s rich history and colorful culture.

The mayor also awarded Solmerano a similar plaque for his valuable contribution in the promotion of the local tourism industry. Solmerano is one of the company's top caliber journalists and is also a top-notch news photographer. His works had been published in various Philippine and foreign media outfits in the past.

The plaques were given during the city’s 12th Founding Anniversary on February 12.

The mayor said the plaque of appreciation is given to the Mindanao Examinert “in grateful recognition of its outstanding contribution and untiring support in promoting the City's tourism industry thereby making possible a strengthened PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP in developing the City's Tourism potential which creates a positive image for the City of Kidapawan.”

Kidapawan City is hailed as “A Spring in the Highland,” whose name comes from the words “Tida,” which means spring and “Pawan” meaning highland. It is situated near the majestic Mount Apo, the country’s tallest mountain and making it one of the best tourist attractions in Mindanao.

The Mindanao Examiner newspaper was founded in Zamboanga City in 2006 and has circulations in many parts of the southern Philippines. The company, whose website can be accessed on this URL – www.mindanaoexaminer.com – has expanded its business in 2009 to include cable television production and currently manages and operates Sky Cable Channel 54 in Zamboanga City.

It maintains several news bureaus in Mindanao, but the backbone of its operations rely on journalists and associates who work pro-bono for the Mindanao Examiner.

The company is a strong advocated of citizen journalism and actively promoting community journalism as well.

It also has its own multi-media department, Mindanao Examiner Productions, which is in-charge of all video productions and photography services. It has provided photography and video works for various corporations and companies operating in the Philippines, including local government units in the southern Philippines and foreign media firms.

The Mindanao Examiner has produced several corporate and tourism videos and independent films in the past. Its editorial office is in Zamboanga City. (Jane Magno)